Tag Archives: second grade

What Your Second Grader Needs to Know: Language Arts

* Reading silently for purpose I want to note here that while this is a second grade suggestion, your child should begin reading silently as soon as he is capable. * Dramatizations and interpretative or oral reading This is simple to practice while your child reads out loud to you. Start by asking your child to note punctuation such as question marks or exclamation points. Then encourage him to use inflection with his voice as is appropriate. At first, it may seemed forced but in time, your child will learn to read with feeling. A note on why this is … Continue reading →

What Your Second Grader Should Know in Social Studies

* Holidays and festivals Look for an upcoming blog in the Homeschoolers’ Advent Calendar regarding great ideas for celebrating a multi-ethnic Christmas season. * Patriotic celebrations While it’s a little young to teach all of the history surrounding Independence Day, I suggest reading several related books: –The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry –Hooray for the 4th of July by Wendy Watson –Apple Pie for 4th of July by Janet S. Wong –Anything related that was written by Jean Fritz * Communities in other lands: past and present * Family and family history * Families around the world … Continue reading →

What Your Second Grader Should Know: Science

Initial experiences in science should be all about observation. I personally believe that one reason kids tend not to do as well in science after 3rd grade is that they were never taught to observe properly. Before your child delves deeply into the world of scientific fact, encourage as much meaningful observation as possible. Ask questions like: describe, what, and show. Encourage details. Of course you will do experiments, and learn facts but your end goal should always be the detailed observation of what you’re studying. After your child starts to observe well, then you can start asking questions like … Continue reading →